Electric switch



W. H. mam L732H23L ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed. Nov. 1926 WITNESSES: INVENTOR William M Keir" Patented Oct. 22, 1929 A UNITED STATES PATENT: OFFICE WILLIAM H. KEIR, OF WILKINSBUBG,

PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB TO WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC SWITCH Application filed November 4, 1926. Serial No. 146,136.

My invention relates to electric switches and particularly to disconnecting switches.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an economical means for breaking the corrosive seal between the blade and break jaws of a disconnecting switch before a predetermined pull is transmitted to the switch blade to disconnect it from the switch aws.

J Another object of my invention is toprovide a disconnecting switch that shall protect the porcelain insulators from excessive strains.

Another object of my invention is to provide a latch for disconnecting switches of simple and economical construction that shall serve as a means for breaking the corrosive seal between the blade and break jaws of a disconnecting switch when unlocking the switch during the actuation of the switch blade.

It is of great importance, in the operation of disconnecting switches, that the corrosive seal and/or a coating of ice between the blade and contact jaws be broken before a predetermined pull is transmitted to the switch blade. Insulator caps for such switches frequently have been broken or snapped oii and insulator pins pulled out due to the absence of means for breaking the corrosive seal or a coating of ice over the contact jaws and switch blade. p

In accordance with my invention, a cam or leverage mechanism is provided for breaking the corrosive seal or a coating of ice between the blades and contact jaws during the initial movement of the switch blade, thereby protecting the insulator caps from excessive strains.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a view, in elevation, of a disconnecting switch embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view, partially in elevation and partially in section, of a disconnecting switch embodying my invention when in an initial opened position, and

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary View. of a disoonnecting switch embodying my invention when in a farther opening position. to Referring to Fig. 1, my invention comprises a disconnecting switch having a base 1 and insulator caps 2 and 3 supporting break jaws 4 and hinge jaws 5, respectivel Switch blades 6 are attached at each si e of bin e jaws 5 by a bolt 7 and spring washer 8. 'l e break jaws 4 are disposed between the blades 6 and are provided with a notch 9 for cooporation with a bolt 11 and spring washers 12.

A locking member or bolt 13 is mounted between the blades 6 and is held in position by a pintle 14 and fulcrum pins or stops 15 and 16. An operating member 17 is also mounted between the blades 6 on the pintle 14. The operating member 17 has two lugs 18 and 19 that bear against the inner faces 21 and 22 of a cross-head 23 of the bolt 13. The bolt 13 is biased into engagement with a notch or slot 24 spring 25.

In order to open the switch, a hook-stick is placed in an eye 26 of the operating member 17 and, upon the exertion of pressure to the hook-stick, the operating member 17 withdraws the bolt 13 by reason of the lug 18 exerting pressure on the inner face 21 of the cross-head 23, as it turns about the pintle 14. This movement causes the bolt 13 to be partially withdrawn from the slot 24 of the break jaws 4, and a bevel portion 27 of bolt 13 permits it to turn into engagement with the stop 15 and, at the same time, exerts pressure against a face 28 of the notch 24 in the break jaws 4.

"Referring to Fig. 2, the pressure exerted by the bolt 13 against the face of the slot 24 in the break jaws 4, breaks the corrosive seal and/or in the break-jaws 4 by a coating of ice between the break jaws 4 and the blade 6 by the lever action of the bolt 13 and the switch blade 6 is initially opened. When the lever action of the bolt 13 is arrested by the stop 15, the pull exerted on the operating member 17 is directly transmitted to the switch blade 6 to separate it from the break-jaws 4, as shown in Fig. 3.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a disconnecting switch with means for breaking the corrosive seal or a coating of ice between the break-jaws and switch blade by the initial movement of the operating member before the direct pull is transmitted to the switch blade, whereby the insulator caps and insulator pins are protected from the excessive strain caused by corrosive seals or coatings of ice.

It is to be understood that such changes may be made in the combination, number, arrangement and shape of the component parts of my invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a switch structure, contact jaws having a slot therein, a blade member, a bolt carried by and movable longitudinally of, the switch blade into engagement with the slot, and means for operating the bolt to first partially withdraw it from the slot and then cause it to exert a caming action against a face of the slot which initiates the opening movement of the blade.

2. In a switch structure, contact jaws having a notch therein, a blade member, a bolt of T-shape carried by, and movable longitudinally of, the switch blade into engagement with the notch, and means for operating the bolt to first partially withdraw it from the notch and then' cause it to exert a lever action against a face of the notch which initiates the opening movement of the blade.

3. The combination with a switch blade, contact jaws therefor having a slot therein, a lock member carried by the switch blade, a spring for biasing the lock member into engagement with the slot, an operating member carried by the switch blade for actuating the lock member, and a stop member cooperating with the lock member and permitting a limited turning movement of the lock member, whereby, upon movement of the operating member, the lock member is moved longitudinally of the switch blade and caused to exert a pressure against a face of the slot until the stop member is engaged, after which forces applied to the operating member are directly applied to movement of the switch blade.

4. In a switch structure, contact jaws having a slot therein, a blade member, a bolt of T-shape carried by, and movable longitudinally of, the switch blade into engagement with the slot, an operating member having lugs for actuating the bolt, a stop member cooperating with the bolt and permitting a limited turning movement of the bolt, whereby, upon movement of the operating member, the bolt is moved longitudinally of the switch blade and caused to exert a pressure against a face of the slot until the stop member is engaged, after which forces applied to the operating member are directly applied to movement of the switch blade.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this twenty-ninth day of October, 1926.

WILLIAM H. KEIR. 

